St. Joe State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Off-road vehicle use is the main draw that attracts visitors to this Missouri State Park. Located near the town of Park Hills and alongside the Saint Francois Mountains, the park features 2,000 acres that are open to off-roading. In addition, visitors can stay overnight at the campground, go hiking, or explore the historic remnants of the buildings left behind by the St. Joe Minerals Corporation that once mined in the area at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, which is located within the park.
Spring 44 - 68 F
Summer 63 - 87 F
Fall 55 - 79 F
Winter 34 - 55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in St. Joe State Park
There are two campgrounds at St. Joe State Park. If you have an off-road vehicle (ORV), then you need to stay at Campground 1, but if you have horses with you, then you'll need to stay at Campground 2. RVs are welcome at both campgrounds. Both campgrounds have electric hookups at some sites, but if you need a 50-amp connection, you'll have to stay at Campground 1. Campground 2 has 20-amp and 30-amp connections only. Firewood can be purchased at Campground 1. Both campgrounds have ADA-accessible sites. A shower house with laundry facilities, a dump station, and a playground are located for all campers to use near Campground 1. In addition to the two main campgrounds, there are five backcountry sites that you can stay at if you walk, cycle, or ride a horse to get there. These sites are available to use at no charge.
What to Do at
St. Joe State Park
The choices are nearly endless at this huge Missouri State Park. Locals come to use the park's radio-controlled airplane field and enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the lakes. If you'll be going off-roading, be sure you get a permit in advance of your trip, and you'll need to be wearing a helmet at all times, too. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are possible after heavy snow in the wintertime.
Fishing
The park has four lakes where anglers can cast a line. Each of these lakes is stocked with bass, catfish, and crappie. There's a fishing dock on Monsanto Lake, which is the largest of the four. Fish from the shoreline or launch a non-motorized boat into the lake.
Geocaching
There are usually several geocaches to be found at this state park. Check your geocaching app for clues about where they may be hidden.
Flora and Fauna
The many dirt bikes and off-road vehicles mostly keep the wildlife at bay, but visitors to the park often spot common wild animals like deer. If you're out exploring the trails, you might see some box turtles, lizards, and butterflies. Be sure to watch out for ticks. Most of the trees that you'll see in the forested areas are second-growth oak, pine, and hickory trees. Native grasslands line the prairies and the wetlands along the streams, including Indian grass and witch grass, as well as big and little bluestem.
Hiking
Along with an extensive network of OHV trails, you'll also find some pleasant hiking trails worth exploring at the park. You'll enjoy a lovely view of the lake if you head out on Monsanto Lake View Trail Loop, which is a moderate trail spanning just over one mile long.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed at just two of the park's four lakes, including Monsanto and Pim Lakes. You'll find a sandy beach at both of these areas, but there is no lifeguard on duty. Vault toilets, changing areas, and a picnic area can be found at both sites.
Boating
Non-motorized boats are welcome at the lakes within the park.
Biking
Cyclists will find plenty of options to choose from at St. Joe State Park. The 11-mile Pine Loop Bicycle Trail is one popular choice with moderate inclines and pleasant forest scenery. The Saint Joe Mountain Bicycle Loop offers riders a 9.5-mile jaunt through the forest. For a paved trail, head out on the South Main Bicycle Trail.
How to Get to
St. Joe State Park
The park is located three miles outside of the town of Park Hills. There are a couple of access points into the park. To get to the main office from Main Street in Park Hills, turn right onto Flat River Drive. From there, turn right to get onto State Highway 32. Head south out of Park Hills on State Highway 32 for about two miles. To enter the park, turn left onto Pimville Road.
Entering St. Joe State Park
As you enter the park on Pimville Road, you'll see a trailhead to your right. Continue straight, and then take a left onto Park Road to find the park office.
St. Joe State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Joe State Park
St. Joe State Park and the Missouri Mines State Historic Site are open year-round, and there's plenty to keep visitors busy, no matter what time of year you visit. Keep in mind that while the park and the campground are open year-round, the restrooms and water hookups are only available from April 1 through October 31.
The park is well-known for its healthy population of deer that inhabit the forest. In the lakes, you'll find fish such as crappie, bass, and catfish.
RVs are welcome at any of the sites within the campground, but amenities vary by site.
Reservations are not required, but they are strongly recommended since the campground often reaches capacity. Making a reservation online costs $6.50 or $8 over the phone. The overnight camping rates vary by season, but you can expect to pay a minimum of $15 for a site without hookups and $25 to $27 for a site with electricity.
You can bring your pets with you as you enjoy St. Joe State Park, but they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times.